Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. Proverbs 16:24
As a writer, I love words. In fiction, I love finding just the right words for my character to use when they speak to each other.
I wasn't as careful when I chose the words I said to myself. I realized that I said things to myself that I wouldn’t allow even the most evil character use. And that negative self-talk was having a huge negative affect on me. Unfortunately, I was beginning to believe the things I said to myself, and it was pulling me under.
Maybe you do the same thing.
“I’m so stupid.”
“I should just quit, I’ll never amount to anything.”
“I’m ugly.”
“I don’t know why anyone would want to hang out with me.”
“I can’t do anything right.”
Statistics tell us that when we speak negative things to someone close to us, it takes anywhere from eight to sixteen positive things to outweigh one negative remark. This holds true when we talk to ourselves.
The truth is, each of us is unique and precious to God.
He paid the ultimate price to bring us back to Him. How can we denigrate what God esteems? Think about how different your outlook might be if you spoke respectfully to yourself?
Join me today as I make the decision to watch my language.
TWEETABLE
Speaking negatively to ourselves—especially about our #writing—can have a huge impact -@EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
TWEETABLE
Speaking negatively to ourselves—especially about our #writing—can have a huge impact -@EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Hallelujah, Edie. Early this morning I was editing a chapter of my book that discusses this very topic. As a child I was told I was stupid, a monster, and I would amount to nothing by my biological father. How could a Heavenly-holy Father love me? I began to quote the bible verses on my identity. I now know how much I am loved by God and I tell myself every morning. Thank you for the reminder. May we never speak lowly of anything God created, especially ourselves.
ReplyDeleteCherrilynn, what a powerful truth! Thank you for sharing, Blessings, E
DeleteAmen! You speak truth! This topic is so dear to my heart! I have a similar story regarding my weight although the culprit was not my father. Many, many hurtful things have been said to me regarding my appearance. Things I came to believe and repeated to myself on a constant basis. As writers, we know how powerful words can be. We have to make the decision to speak life and Biblical truth over ourselves. Here's just a few things the Bible says about us:
Delete1 Thes.1: 4 You are chosen and dearly loved of God.
Ps. 139:14 You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Zech. 2:8 You are the apple of God's eyes. (I just love that one!)
2 Cor. 5:17 You are a new creation in Christ.
John 1:12 You are a child of God.
Col. 1:14 You have been forgiven.
Rom. 8:1 You are free forever from condemnation.
Eph. 2:6 You are His masterpiece.
Sorry to be so long-winded! Blessings over each of you!
Kelly, NEVER apologize for sharing your heart and encouraging others! This is powerful stuff, Thank you, Blessings, E
DeleteGood advice. It's easy to be hard ourselves.
ReplyDeleteJann, it is so easy! Blessings, E
DeleteI am teaching/speaking on this topic this coming weekend at a retreat. Will you pray for this message and for the hearers? I think we need to see ourselves clearly as God sees us. Sinners saved by grace, surely. But also so much more...Love your list, Kelly. I truly think our lives and ministries would look different if we grasp who we are in Christ.
ReplyDeleteJeanne, I absolutely will be praying for you and those attending! I know they will be blessed by your reminders of God’s perspective of who we are! Blessings, E
DeleteHi Edie,
ReplyDeleteYes!!! I've battled with self-image and low self-esteem since I was a teenager. Somehow, since the divorce, I've been even harder on myself. I need to stop it!!! God doesn't see me that way, and my admittance to heaven won't be measured by my weight. Thanks for the reminder. I know that I need a lot of work in this area. Self loathing isn't becoming.
Love you Edie!
Blessings,
Laurie
Laurie, it’s such an easy trap to fall into. I’m praying for God to continue to reveal the truth of sho you are in HIS eyes! Blessings, E
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